WEST END BAPTIST CHURCH BYLAWS

Transcription

1 WEST END BAPTIST CHURCH BYLAWS The bylaws as adopted by West End Baptist Church form the standing rules by which the church organizes and governs itself. The bylaws define church officers, church membership and the organization and structure of standing committees. The bylaws form the standing rule of the government of West End Baptist Church until such time as they are modified by the congregation. ARTICLE I: NAME The body will be known as West End Baptist Church, located at 6506 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, Virginia ARTICLE II: OBJECTIVES To have consistent and maturing relationships with God and others demonstrated by reaching out misionally to our communities with expanding and effective ministries designed to meet the needs of people of all ages. ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP Article III, Section 1: The membership of West End Baptist Church will consist of those persons whose names are now on the membership roll and other persons who meet membership requirements and are added at a later date. Article III, Section 2: Additions to Membership and Watch Care a) By Baptism: Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will be considered a candidate for baptism. After the pastor or his designee interviews the candidate, presents the aims and ideals of the church as expressed in the Church Covenant, and after baptism by immersion the candidate will become a member of West End Baptist Church following an affirmative vote of the majority of the members present at a regularly scheduled church service or meeting. b) By Letter: Upon presentation of, or pending receipt of a letter, members of other Baptist churches of like Faith and Order may be received, following an affirmative vote of the majority of the members present at a regularly scheduled church service or meeting. c) By Statement of Experience: If a letter from an applicant s former church is not received, or if the former church will not grant a letter of transfer, the applicant may be accepted for membership by their statement of (1) faith in Jesus Christ and (2) their having been baptized by immersion as a believer. All applicants for membership may be received

2 after an affirmative vote of the majority of the members present at a regularly scheduled church service or meeting. d) Watch Care: Members of other Christian churches in good standing who make application to come under the Watch Care of this church will be received following an affirmative vote of the majority of the members present at a regularly scheduled church service or meeting. The church will watch over and care for Watch Care Members, but Watch Care Members are not eligible to serve on any standing or appointed committee and will not have a vote in the affairs of the church. Article III, Section 3: Granting of Church Letters On request any member will, upon the vote of the church, be granted a church letter for the purpose of uniting with another Baptist church. A member uniting with a church of another Faith and Order will be granted a statement of good standing and Christian character. Upon completion of this action, the member will be dropped from the membership rolls and added to the rolls as a former member. Article III, Section 4: Removals Any member, who due to a change of residence, finds it inconvenient to attend the services of West End Baptist Church and does not unite with another church more conveniently located, will supply the church office or Clerk with his or her address, and communicate with the church once every six months, either in person, by letter, or by contribution. Any member who fails to do so will be subject to discipline by the church as provided in Article Ill, Section 5c. Membership in West End Baptist Church will be terminated if the church is informed that the member has united with another church and if membership in that church is confirmed by either the church or the member. Article III, Section 5: Discipline a) Method and Spirit: Any member having cause for complaint against another must first seek to remove the complaint as directed in the 18 th chapter of Matthew. If this is not sufficient, the complaint will be brought to the attention of the Deacon Council which may report its findings and recommend to the church such action as may seem wise and proper. All discipline will be formulated and carried out in the Spirit of Christ, in meekness, and in Godly fear. b) Exclusion: Upon recommendation of the Deacon Council and a majority vote of the church, a member guilty of conduct unbecoming his or her membership may be excluded from membership, provided at least three weeks notice of such contemplated action has been given to such members (if he or she can be found) and opportunity given for defense or satisfactory explanation. No member will be excluded from the church without the privilege of a hearing in front of the church body at a called business meeting.

3 c) Inactive Members: All nonresident members who do not communicate with the church as provided in Article III, Section 4, and all resident members who for six months do not attend church or contribute to its support or show any interest will, unless good cause can be shown for such neglect, be automatically retired to an inactive roll. If, after an additional twelve month period, an inactive member does not make any contact with West End Baptist Church to discuss his or her membership, and after being unable to be visited by a member of the Deacon Council and receiving a letter of intention from the church, his or her name will be removed from the inactive roll and be placed on the former members roll. Article IV, Section 1: Officers ARTICLE IV: ORGANIZATION The officers of the church will be as follows: Pastor, Associate Pastors, and Minister/Director of Education, Children and Youth, Minister/Director of Music, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Moderator, Vice Moderator, Clerk, and Assistant Clerk. The Pastor, by virtue of office, shall be ex-officio of all councils and committees. The Pastor is designated as the Church Administrator. Article IV, Section 2: Trustees The Trustees will be the custodians of the properties owned by West End Baptist Church. These properties are to include real estate (land and building), personal tangible properties, trust funds, stocks, and bonds. Trustees will serve on a non-rotating basis. Qualifications of Trustees: In order to be nominated as a Trustee of the Church, the individual will meet all of the qualifications necessary to serve as a Deacon. In addition to meeting the above qualifications, the individual will be a member of the church not less than five years prior to becoming a Trustee. The individual will have the qualities that demonstrate the ability to give leadership and guidance in the supervision and ownership of all types of assets held by the church. Election of Trustees: There will be a minimum of three and a maximum of five members to serve as trustees of West End Baptist Church. The Trustees actively serving will recommend individual names of members to serve as trustees to the deacon body for approval. Upon approval by the deacon body, the member or members will be recommended by the deacons to the church, in a business session, for church approval. Once approved by the church and appointed by the Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Judge, the trustee or trustees will serve until replaced by the church. If the deacons feel it necessary to remove a trustee, they will recommend the removal to the church, in a regular or special called business session, for church action. If the church votes for removal, the Dinwiddie County Circuit Court judge will be notified the individual is no longer a trustee of West End Baptist Church.

4 Responsibilities of Trustees: Whenever there is a capital improvement to be made, the proposal will be submitted by the appropriate committee to the church for approval. After having been approved by the church, all contracts involving the procurement of property and/or services will be submitted to the Trustees for signing. The Trustees will be the mediating agent of the church on all official and legal matters between Church and State. The Trustees will manage all property transactions for the church as authorized by the church in a regular or called business meeting. When the church becomes an heir to any legacy, gift, contribution, or trust fund, the Trustees will receive, deposit and manage the gift. The Trustees will sign deeds, stock transfers, bank notes, contracts and mortgages for the church. The Trustees are to be involved in any matters concerning the current and future well-being of the church. If the trustees have concerns about matters they feel could be detrimental to the well-being of the church, these matters will be brought to the church s attention in a regular or called business meeting for the action of the church. The Church Administrator, or acting administrator, is the liaison between the Church and Trustees. He is to keep all parties informed regarding the work of the Trustees. Article IV, Section 3: Councils There will be a Church Council and a Deacons Council. Article IV, Section 4: Standing Committees The standing committees of the church are Audio/Visual Service, Baptism, Benevolence, Stewardship, Education/Discipleship, Endowment, Extended Session, Fellowship, Food Services, Flower/House/Decorating, Greeters/Ushers, History, Information Technology, Lord s Supper, Missions, Music, New Members, Nominating, Nursery/Toddler, Personnel, Property/Space, Senior Adult, and Youth/Children. (For details about committee responsibilities, see the Church Policy and Procedure Manual) Article IV, Section 5: Council and Committee Guidelines Any standing committee that does not comply with the requirements of this article may be voted into inactive status by the Church Council. It will not be staffed by the Nominating Committee in the next list of nominees to the church. Any inactive committee may be reactivated by the Church Council as needed. Standing Committee guidelines are as follows:

5 1. Membership by church members only 2. Meet as needed to conduct necessary business 3. Present budget line items to the Stewardship Committee and justify requirements to meet objectives of the church. 4. Follow parliamentary procedures (Robert s Rules of Order) 5. A member may not serve as Chairperson of more than one committee. Meetings are open to members elected to that council or committee by the church, except as outlined in the Responsibilities of the Ministerial Staff and Church Moderator. Any church member wishing to discuss an item with a council or committee may attend a meeting, but only committee members may vote. A committee may vote to declare an executive session if warranted. Article IV, Section 6: Program Organizations The Program Organizations of the church will be as follows: Hospitality and Outreach, Worship and Music, Education and Discipleship, Mission and Service, and Stewardship. Article IV, Section 7: Nominations and Elections Annual nominations for the Standing Committees and Officers will be the responsibility of the Nominating Committee. Any member of the church may present nominations as desired. Nominations will be made only with the consent of the nominee. The nominee who receives the highest number of votes will be elected to the position for which he or she was nominated. The committee chairpersons may appoint an individual to fill a vacated position and recommend such appointment to the church at the next scheduled business meeting. No family member of a salaried employee will serve on a committee that could result in a conflict of interest. No one will be nominated to any position without assurance of a positive correlation among his/her spiritual gifts, temperament profile, and the functions of the position to which he or she has been nominated. Article IV, Section 8: Terms of Elective Offices Every person elected by the church to an elective office will serve for a period of two (2) years. No individual may serve as the same committee chairperson for a period in excess of three (3) consecutive years. Individuals may be elected to the same position after a one year break. Those elected to fill an unexpired term will serve to the end of that term. This section will not apply to the Trustees or the Deacon Council. Article IV, Section 9: Church Year West End Baptist Church observes two (2) types of church years: 1. A fiscal year begins January 1 and ends December A Christian education year begins September 1 and ends August 31.

6 Committees and Council will observe the Christian education year, (September August). Article IV, Section 10: Pastoral/Staff Relations The Pastor will be called or the relationship dissolved at a called business meeting by a three-fourths vote of the membership present, provided written notice (i.e. bulletin) of such proposed action will be given to the membership. In the event the church should ask for the Pastor s resignation, his/her services will be terminated immediately. If the Pastor voluntarily resigns for the purpose of answering another call or to retire from the ministry, there is no guaranteed severance pay. Regardless of the circumstances of separation, any severance pay must be presented to the church for approval prior to making any commitment to the departing minister. Any support staff may be terminated by the Personnel Committee in consultation with the Chairman of the Deacons and the church administrator. The justification for this action will be reported to the church. Article IV, Section 11: Meeting Schedules All regularly-scheduled meetings will be reported to the Church Council, as soon as possible, for inclusion in the church calendar. Article V, Section 1: Lord s Supper ARTICLE V: ORDINANCES AND MEETINGS The Lord s Supper will be observed on a regular basis at the call of the Deacons Council or Church Council. A benevolence offering will be received by the Deacon Council as a part of each service. The Deacon Council may choose not to receive a benevolence offering when it might interfere with a specific type of service. Article V, Section 2: Baptism Baptismal services will be conducted as often as necessary by the Pastor or Associate Pastors, assisted by the Baptism Committee. The staff will meet with candidates for information and preparation for baptism prior to the time they are to be baptized. Article V, Section 3: Business Meetings Quarterly business meetings will be held on the fourth Wednesday evening of January, April, July, and October. Reports from program organizations, councils, and committees will be presented at all quarterly business meetings. Reports shall be copied and given to the Church Clerk at the time the report is presented to the congregation at all business meetings. Special meetings may be called by the Pastor, Deacon Council, or the Church Moderator to consider

7 matters which require immediate attention. At business meetings, the most current edition of Robert s Rules of Order will serve as the parliamentary authority for general usage; however, these rules may be set aside by two-thirds majority of those members present and voting. This motion takes precedence over any motions or matters on the floor at the time it is made. Article V, Section 4: Quorum and Notice of Meetings All members present and voting will constitute a quorum. At meetings for business such as calling a Pastor, sale or purchase of property, amending the constitution or bylaws, or borrowing of funds exceeding $10,000.00, a quorum will be those members present and voting provided three (3) successive weeks notice of the proposed action(s) has been published in the church bulletin and announcement made of the meeting at a regular Sunday morning church service.. ARTICLE VI: RESPONSIBILITIES OF STAFF AND OFFICERS Article VI, Section 1: Ministerial and Support Staff The responsibilities and employment conditions of ministerial and support staffs are listed in the West End Baptist Church Personnel Policies as revised and adopted by the congregation. Additional requirements may be in the letter of call for ministers. Article VI, Section 2: Clerk It will be the responsibility of the Clerk to supervise the keeping of an accurate membership roll of the church, in accordance with ARTICLE III. Minutes of all business meetings will be read for approval at the next regular business meeting. The Clerk will preserve all other business records and documents, conduct all official correspondence of the church and furnish such statistical information at church meetings as may be required regarding the membership roll and other church matters. Article VI, Section 3: Assistant Clerk The Assistant Clerk will perform all responsibilities of the Clerk in his or her absence and assist the Clerk in such matters as may be assigned by the Clerk. Article VI, Section 4: Treasurer The work of the Church Treasurer will involve three areas: receiving, accounting and disbursing of funds. The Treasurer will: 1. Counsel with the Church Stewardship Committee to develop and recommend policies and procedures for the proper receiving, accounting and disbursing of church monies. 2. Record financial contributions made by those using the church envelope system

8 and provide an annual statement of giving for contributions totaling $250 or more. Annual statements for amounts less than $250 will be provided upon request. 3. Ensure the maintenance of appropriate records of the receipt and distribution of all funds. The Treasurer will ensure that adequate records are kept of all funds and that financial accounting and reporting will be made to the congregation, at least at each quarterly business meeting. 4. Be authorized to sign checks in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Church Stewardship Committee. 5. Serve as liaison with the Accounting Section of the Church Stewardship Committee. 6. Make quarterly financial reports to the congregation. Article VI, Section 5: Assistant Treasurer The Assistant Treasurer will render such assistance to the Treasurer as the latter may require. In the absence or incapacitation of the Church Treasurer the Assistant Treasurer will assume the duties of the Treasurer until the Treasurer may resume his/her duties. Article VI, Section 6: Moderator The Moderator will be the presiding officer at all business meetings of the church. The Moderator will appoint all committees whose appointment is not otherwise provided and will be an ex-officio member of all councils and committees, except the Deacon Council. Article VI, Section 7: Vice-Moderator The Vice-Moderator will assist the Moderator in the discharge of his or her duties, and act during the Moderator s absence or incapacity. ARTICLE VII: PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONS Article VII, Section 1: Hospitality and Outreach The Pastor, Deacons, and all church leaders will strive to involve all of our members in the practice of radical hospitality. We will go beyond what is expected to make this church a place where people can easily come and worship, study the Bible, and grow spiritually. We will make every effort to keep our facilities well maintained, install clear signs, and provide one-on one help to those who come to worship, study, and minister with us. Article VII, Section 2: Worship and Music The Pastor and other ministry staff will work with the Music Committee and other members to plan and lead effective worship services. The Music Ministry of the church will be organized and operated to implement the following tasks:

9 1. Provide musical experiences in worship services. 2. Develop musical skills, attitudes, and understanding. 3. Witness and minister through music. 4. Interpret and under gird the work of the church and denomination. The Minister/Director of Music will represent this ministry on the Church Council and coordinate the work of this ministry with the Music Committee. The Minister/Director of Music will report on this ministry at Church Business Meetings. Mission and Service Ministries Article VII, Section 3: Education and Discipleship Programs The Education and Discipleship Committee will coordinate the work of this program. The Sunday School and small group Bible studies will be the principal Bible-teaching program of the church. It will be organized and operated to implement the following tasks. 1. Involve people in Bible study. 2. Teach the Bible. 3. Witness to persons about Christ and lead them to accept Christ and become church members. 4. Minister to Sunday School and small group members and nonmembers. 5. Provide small groups whose participants can grow in Christ, study the Bible and help one another apply the scriptures to daily life. 6. Interpret and under gird the work of the church and denomination. The Sunday School Director will manage the work of the Sunday School and seek the counsel of the Education and Discipleship Committee and report or make necessary recommendations at church business meetings. The Director will represent the Sunday School on the Church Council and coordinate its work with the needs and policies of the church. This discipleship training ministry of the church will be organized and operated to implement the following tasks: 1. Equip church members for discipleship and personal ministries. 2. Teach Christian theology, Biblical doctrine, Christian ethics, Christian history, church policy and organization. 3. Equip church leaders for service. 4. Reach persons for discipleship training. 5. Interpret and under gird the work of the church and denomination. Article VII, Section 4: Missions and Services Program Recognizing that all members of the church are ministers, the Mission Committee will lead this program and will strive to equip each member of the church in developing a lifetime commitment to missions.

10 Mission Ministries are the responsibility of the church s Missions Committee and will be organized in the most effective way to implement the following tasks: 1. Engage in mission activities and personal witnessing. 2. Teach missions to members of the congregation. 3. Support missions through prayer and specific offerings. 4. Develop personal ministry skills. 5. Interpret and under gird the work of the church and denomination. The Church Missions Committee Chairperson will represent this organization on the Church Council and coordinate its work with the needs and policies of the church. Article VII, Section 5: Stewardship The Stewardship Committee will coordinate this program of the church, providing education and encouragement to all members, so that we can grow in the practice of extravagant generosity toward our members, our community and our world. Article VIII, Section 1: Church Council ARTICLE VIII: COUNCILS The Church Council will act as the coordinating, evaluating and advisory body representing church program organizations and committees. It is responsible for coordinating activities into one harmonious and annual program. Membership of the Church Council is composed of the chairpersons of all standing committees and the director or chairperson of program organizations. The presiding officer is the pastor or a designee and is responsible for convening meetings. The Church Council will meet quarterly in order to prepare for the quarterly business meetings. The responsibilities of the Church Council are to: 1. Help the church understand its mission and define its priorities. 2. Recommend to the church coordinated plans for worship, discipleship development, missions, evangelism, stewardship, and ministry. 3. Monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of strategic plans and any other church-wide recommendations approved by the church. 4. Make recommendations to the church as needed and expedite implementation of approved actions through committee chairmen or ministry leaders 5. Guide the preparation of an annual calendar of events and activities. 6. Guide the production of an annual church directory, handbook, and calendar. 7. Coordinate the church s schedule of activities and special events. 8. To evaluate progress and the use of church resources based on priorities established by the church. 9. Recommend church members to serve on the Nominating Committee at the April Business Meeting.

11 10. Review committee recommendations as needed prior to business meetings to offer counsel and suggestions for meeting the needs of the church. Article VIII, Section 2: Deacon Council To qualify to serve as a deacon the person must be an active member of West End Baptist Church for at least three (3) years on the date he or she begins actively serving. It will be pertinent for the church to promote to honorary life membership, as recommended by the deacons, any deacon who by reason of age or infirmities will be no longer able to render active service. The membership will recommend deacon candidates to the Deacon Council by secret ballot on an annual basis. Each church member may nominate the number of persons needed to fill the vacancies among the deacon council. The nominees whose names are submitted by a member will not be contacted by the member nominating the individual(s) to verify his/her willingness to become a deacon. However, once the name is presented to the deacon council and approved, the nominee will be contacted by the Deacon Council chairperson to determine their willingness to accept. Nominations will be held during the month of May each year and all nominations must be signed and submitted by the last Sunday in May. After consideration and approval by the deacon council of those deacon candidates, each candidate will meet with the pastor and current chairperson of deacons to discuss deacon qualifications. The nominees so recommended will be elected at a regular business meeting of the church for a term of service of three years. The term of office of approximately one-third of the number of deacons will expire annually, and the election will be held to fill the vacancies. In case of death, removal, or incapacity to serve, the church may elect to fill the unexpired term in the same manner. There is no obligation to constitute as deacon a person who comes to the church from another church where he or she has served as a deacon. After serving a term of three years, no deacon will be eligible for reelection for a three-year term until the lapse of at least one year. Responsibilities: In accordance with the meaning of the word and the practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. 1. Deacons are to be zealous to guard the unity of the spirit within the church in the bonds of peace. 2. They will serve as a council of advice and conference with the pastor in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the church. 3. By proper organization and method among themselves, they are to establish and maintain personal fraternal relations with, and inspiring oversight of, all the membership of the church. Especially are they to seek to know the physical needs and to serve the whole church in relieving, encouraging, and developing all who are in need. 4. In counsel with the pastor, and by such methods as the Holy Spirit may direct in accordance with the New Testament teachings, they are to have oversight of the spiritual growth of the church, in administering discipline they are to be guided always by the principles set forth in Matthew 18:15-17, I Corinthians 5:9-13, 1

12 Thessalonians 5:12-14 and the West End Baptist Church Covenant. 5. The deacons will serve as an interim pulpit committee. In any period when the church is without a pastor, unless the church will otherwise provide, the deacons will arrange the temporary ministry and take counsel with reference to securing a pastor. It is not intended in any wise to prejudice herein the method by which the church will proceed in securing a pastor. 6. The Deacon Council has no other administrative authority. Method or Procedure: The whole council of deacons is organized as a unit for the consideration of all larger problems and general policies and meets regularly once each month, or as other meetings is deemed necessary. They may organize themselves into such committees as their wisdom may direct for efficiency in service. 1. A chairman, vice chairman, and secretary are elected annually by the deacons to serve for one year. 2. The active deacons will have 50 percent present to constitute a quorum. They will apportion the membership of the church among themselves, or make plans whereby the entire membership may have the benefit of the oversight in Christ of their brethren. The vice chairman will be responsible for all membership assignments to the deacons for the deacon family ministry. Each deacon will freely confer with the pastor about all matters which in his judgment would be most wisely and spiritually handled in private. ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS The By-Laws may be amended at any regular or called business meeting by a two-thirds vote of all members present and voting, provided that three (3) successive weeks notice of the proposed action(s) has been published in the church bulletin and announcement made of the meeting at a regular Sunday morning church service.